Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Executive and Memory Functions in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease threatens the health of older adults, particularly by disrupting executive and memory functions, and many studies have shown that aerobic exercise prevents and improves the symptoms associated with the disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to systematically review the effects of aerobic exercise on executive and memory functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease and to determine the effect factors and mechanisms of the design of aerobic exercise intervention programs. METHOD: Relevant literature was searched in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO) from January 1, 2014 to March 1, 2023, using a subject-word search method. Data on 10 items, including author and country, were extracted from the literature after screening. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and a systematic review was performed. RESULTS: Twelve papers from seven countries were ultimately included, embodying 11 randomized controlled trials and one study with a repeated-measures design. The overall quality of the studies was good as 657 study participants, aged 45 years and older who had varying degrees of Alzheimer's disease and significant symptoms, were included. Aerobic exercise was found to have a significant positive impact on executive and memory functions in people with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION: The effects of aerobic exercise on aspects of executive function were mainly characterized by improvements in inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, whereas the effects on aspects of memory function were mainly characterized by improvements in logical memory, situational memory, and short-term memory.

Physical activity interventions for cardiopulmonary fitness in obese children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study [PROSPERO CRD42023416272] systematically analysed the effects of a physical activity intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness in obese children and adolescents and elucidated the factors that influenced those effects. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on physical activity interventions for improving cardiopulmonary fitness in obese children and adolescents from January 1, 2011, to March 1, 2023, was conducted. The search was performed on the Web of Science and PubMed databases, and the selected literature was first screened and then assessed for quality. Finally, a systematic review was conducted. RESULTS: Out of the initially identified 1424 search records, 28 studies were eventually included in the systematic review. These studies encompassed a total of 2724 participants aged 5 to 18 years, with the publication dates of the literature primarily ranging from 2011 to 2023. Physical activity was found to effectively improve the following parameters in obese children and adolescents: weight [mean difference (MD), -2.03 (95% confidence interval, -2.59 to -1.47), p < 0.00001], maximal oxygen consumption [MD, -1.95 (95% CI, -1.06 to -2.84), p < 0.0001], heart rate [MD, -2.77 (95% CI, -4.88 to -0.67), p = 0.010], systolic blood pressure [MD, -8.11 (95% CI, -11.41 to -4.81), p < 0.00001], and diastolic blood pressure [MD, -4.18 (95% CI, -5.32 to -3.03), p < 0.00001]. High-intensity exercise was found to yield greater improvements than low- to moderate-intensity exercise in maximal oxygen consumption [MD, 1.43 (95% CI, 0.04 to 2.82), p = 0.04] and diastolic blood pressure [MD, -6.94 (95% CI, -10.61 to -3.26), p = 0.0002] in obese children and adolescents. CONCLUSION: Physical activity can effectively improve the body weight, maximal oxygen consumption, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure of obese children and adolescents. The type of physical activity directly influences the participation interest of obese children and adolescents, with moderate- to high-intensity physical activity showing the most significant impact on intervention outcomes. High-frequency, long-term interventions yield better results than short-term interventions.

The impact of exercise on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global surge in mental health challenges. This study (PROSPERO CRD42023443860) aimed to investigate the impact of exercise on individuals' mental health through systematic evaluation and meta-analysis to develop a scientific exercise program. Methods: We systematically searched the literature up to August 2023 using PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool gaged the methodological quality of the included literature. Results: Among the initially identified 10,343 search records, 12 studies were deemed to meet the criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. Exercise significantly improved anxiety (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.52, p < 0.00001), depression (-1.02, 95% CI -1.42 to -0.62, p = 0.0001), stress (-1.05, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.78, p < 0.00001), and quality of life (1.11, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.41, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyzes indicated that a single exercise session lasting 30-40 min had the most pronounced effect on reducing anxiety (-1.29, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.86, p < 0.00001) and depression (-1.76, 95% CI -2.24 to -1.28, p < 0.00001). Similarly, an exercise frequency of 3-5 times per week yielded the greatest benefits for anxiety (-1.31, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.46, p < 0.00001) and depression (-1.27, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.41, p = 0.0003). Notably, exercise exhibited its most significant impact on depression improvement in the 40-64 age group (-1.32, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.86, p < 0.00001). Moreover, exercise notably enhanced anxiety levels among individuals in middle and upper-income brackets (-0.99, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.87, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: Exercise alleviated anxiety disorders, depression, stress levels, and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant impact on anxiety and depression improvement is achieved by engaging in 30-40 min of exercise sessions, 3-5 times per week.

Impact of Physical Activity on COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is seriously endangering human health worldwide. This study finds effective intervention modalities of physical activity on COVID-19 through a narrative review. METHODS: In this study, 41 papers were selected for a narrative literature review after a comprehensive database search from 20 December 2019, to 30 August 2022. RESULTS: 41 articles meet the established criteria, and in this review, we comprehensively describe recent studies on exercise and COVID-19, including the impact and recommendations of exercise on COVID-19 prevention, patients with COVID-19, and noninfected populations. CONCLUSIONS: The literature suggests that physical activity (PA) contributes to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, can promote recovery of physical function, alleviate post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, and improve patients' psychological well-being. It is recommended to develop appropriate exercise prescriptions for different populations under the guidance of a physician.

Sports and Social Interaction: Sports Experiences and Attitudes of the Urban Running Community.

Social change and development influence the motivational factors of people's sports participation, exposing the need for socialization and interaction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the interaction pattern of the urban running community and the behavior pattern of runners with the help of social interaction theory, and to explore the inner connection between their community movement and social interaction. Ten senior members of marathon urban running societies were selected to conduct two rounds of in-depth interviews which were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis to understand the sports participation experiences and social interactions of running society members. The study found that the whole interaction process of running groups is accomplished through three aspects: examination of self, adjustment with reference to others, and a sense of group belonging as the core consciousness. On the other hand, the social attributes of running groups can advance the personalization process of runners in society, which is mainly characterized by self-presentation and external constraints, self-requirement and group constraints, intergroup interaction and group identity reorganization. In addition, the unique community culture, standardized group organization and harmonious activity atmosphere will stimulate runners' interest in running, strengthen community communication and establish stable community relations, etc., which in turn will bring about continuous interactive behaviors.

A rare cause of persistent leukocytosis with massive splenomegaly: Myeloid neoplasm with BCR-PDGFRA rearrangement-Case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Persistent leukocytosis with megalosplenia is a common manifestation among patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), especially for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. Here, we report a rare case of myeloid neoplasm with BCR-PDGFRA rearrangement characterized by obvious elevation of leukocyte count and megalosplenia. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 32-year-old man presented with persistent leukocytosis and megalosplenia. DIAGNOSIS: This patient was characterized by increased leukocyte count and megalosplenia, and was clinically diagnosed as CML. However, the BCR/ABL fusion gene of the patient was negative, which did not support CML. Moreover, the results of the karyotype showed 46, XY, t(4;22)(q12;q11) and RT-PCR + Sanger detection showed positive PDGFA/BCR. Accordingly, the diagnosis of myeloid neoplasm with BCR-PDGFA rearrangement was confirmed. INTERVENTIONS: This patient was initially received imatinib (400 mg) orally once a day, and the dosage was adjusted to 100 mg owing to suffering from grade IV bone marrow suppression. OUTCOMES: Hematological remission was achieved after 2 weeks, the best treatment response was achieved after 3 months, and the main molecular biological response was achieved after 12 months. LESSON: This case suggests that rare PDGFA fusion genes screening for patients comorbid with leukocytosis and megalosplenia is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Unlike other rearrangements of PDGFRA, the clinical manifestations of BCR-PDGFRA rearrangement are resembling CML without eosinophilia increase.

The transformation of isolated gastric myeloid sarcoma into acute myeloid leukemia presenting with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG gene fusion: A case report.

RATIONALE: Isolated myeloid sarcoma (MS) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of myeloblasts of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), without any blood or bone marrow involvement. This disease can manifest with extramedullary organ involvement, such as the skin, lymph nodes, bone, brain, breast cervix, and visceral organs, while the occurrence of myeloid sarcomas in the stomach is rare. Isolated MS has been associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the rapid progression of MS to acute myeloid leukemia with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG fusion gene is even rarer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 33-year-old woman suffered from persistent epigastric pain accompanied by two months of anorexia and nausea, as well as 1-week of melena. DIAGNOSIS: This patient was initially diagnosed with gastric MS that eventually transformed into AML with a complex karyotype and TLS-ERG fusion gene, 4 months later. INTERVENTIONS: Only palliative care, including nutrition support, antacids, blood transfusion, anti-infection methods were used on this patient to determine the cachexia status and the family's requirement. OUTCOMES: Routine follow-up results demonstrated this patient had died due to cerebral hemorrhage five months after the diagnosis of MS. LESSONS: Comprehensive integration of patient history, imaging features, mass and bone marrow biopsy, and molecular cytogenetic may provide insights that could help us avoid the misdiagnosis of gastric MS. Isolated gastric MS can rapidly progress to AML with a poor prognosis if the patient does not receive appropriate treatment.

Management of chronic myeloid leukemia presenting with isolated thrombocytosis and complex Philadelphia chromosome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with thrombocytosis and complex chromosomal translocation is extremely rare in clinical setting. Here, we reported the clinical and pathological characteristics of CML patients, which were characterized by thrombocytosis and complex Philadelphia chromosome translocation. Moreover, we also introduced our therapeutic schedule for this patient as well as review relative literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-year-old female presented with night sweating, fatigue, and intermittent fever for 1 month. DIAGNOSIS: Fluorescence in situ hybridization results revealed that breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-Abelson (ABL) gene fusion in 62% of the cells and karyotyping showed a complex 3-way 46, XY, t(9;22;11) (q34;q11;q13) [19/20] translocation. This patient was diagnosed with CML complicated with thrombocytosis and complex Philadelphia chromosome translocation. INTERVENTIONS: The patients received continuously oral imatinib mesylate tablets (400 mg) once a day. OUTCOMES: After treatment with imatinib for 3 months, the BCR/ABLIS was less than 0.1% and achieved major molecular response. Moreover, the BCR/ABLIS of this patient achieved major molecular response. The BCR/ABLIS values at 6 months and 12 months were less than 0.01% and 0.0032%, respectively. And no BCR/ABL fusion was detected in the next 2 years follow-up period. LESSONS: Imatinib might represent a preferred therapeutic option for CML patients with rare thrombocytosis and complex chromosomal translocation. In addition, BCR/ABL fusion gene examination in patients with thrombocytosis might represent an effective strategy to avoid the misdiagnosis of this specific CML population.

CD40L inhibits cell growth of THP-1 cells by suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the hematological malignant tumor with high mortality, is still difficult to treat. CD40L is a type II transmembrane protein, which has been reported to have the potential to inhibit growth of some cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to determine the role of CD40L on AML-M5 cell line THP-1, we overexpressed CD40L in the cells using a lentiviral vector system (pHBLV-CMVIE-Zs Green-T2A-puro vector); overexpression was confirmed by the detection of green fluorescent protein and CD40L protein expression. RESULTS: Cellular apoptosis, proliferation, and cycle assays showed that CD40L could promote the apoptosis of, suppress the proliferation of, and stimulate the arrest of the G1/S phase of THP-1 cells. Finally, the protein expression of P53, Bax/Bcl-2, cyclinD1, PCNA, PTEN, and p-Akt illustrated that CD40L may partly influence cell growth of THP-1 cells through those genes, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and a PI3K/Akt activator. CONCLUSION: Taken together, CD40L could inhibit cell growth of THP-1 cells through the PI3K/Akt pathway, indicating that the overexpression of CD40L may be a potential target to treat the AML-M5 disease.

Corrigendum to "Effect of Taichi Softball on Function-Related Outcomes in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/4585424.].

Effect of Taichi Softball on Function-Related Outcomes in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial.

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effect of Taichi softball (TCSB) on physical function in Chinese older adults. Eighty Chinese older adults were randomly assigned into either an experimental group experiencing four 90-minute TCSB sessions weekly for seven consecutive weeks or a control group. At baseline and 7 weeks later, all participants were asked to perform physical functional tests for both lower and upper limbs. Multiple separate Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were applied to evaluate the effects of TCSB on function-related outcomes between baseline and postintervention in the two groups. The findings indicate that a short-term and intensive TCSB training program does not only improve low limb-related physical function such as dynamic balance and leg strength, but also strengthen upper limb-related physical function (e.g., arm and forearm strength, shoulder mobility, fine motor control, handgrip strength, and fine motor function). Health professionals could take into account TCSB exercise as an alternative method to help maintain or alleviate the inevitable age-related physical function degeneration in healthy older adults. In addition, researchers could investigate the effect of TCSB exercise on physical function in special populations such as patients with different chronic diseases or neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson's disease).

Effect of Yang-Style Tai Chi on Gait Parameters and Musculoskeletal Flexibility in Healthy Chinese Older Women.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Yang-style Tai chi (TC) on gait parameters and musculoskeletal flexibility in healthy Chinese female adults. Sixty-six female adults aged >65 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (67.9 ± 3.2 years of age) receiving three 90-min simplified 24-form TC sessions for eight weeks, or a control group (67.4 ± 2.9 years of age) who maintained their daily lifestyles. All study participants were instructed to perform a selected pace walking for recording gait parameters (stride length, gait speed, swing cycle time, stance phase, and double support times) at both baseline and after the experiment. Low-limb flexibility and range of motion at specific musculoskeletal regions (hip flexion, hip extension, and plantar flexion, as well as anterior and lateral pelvic tilts, pelvic rotation, and joint range of motion (hip, knee, and ankle)) were also assessed in the present study. Multiple separate 2 × 2 Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were used to examine the effects of TC on the abovementioned outcomes between baseline and posttest in the two groups. When compared to those in the control group, older female adults who experienced the 8-week Tai chi intervention demonstrated significant improvements in most of the outcome measures. More specifically, positive changes in the TC group were found, including gait parameter (p < 0.001 for all; stride length (1.12 to 1.24, +8.6%), gait speed (1.06 to 1.21, +13.9%), stance phase (66.3 to 61.8, -5.5%), swing phase (33.7 to 38.4, +10.1%), double support time (0.33 to 0.26, -21.1%)), flexibility-related outcomes (hip flexion (90.0 to 91.9, 22.6%, p < 0.0001), single hip flexor (6.0 to 2.0, -61.5%, p = 0.0386), and plantar flexion (41.6 to 49.7, +17.5%, p < 0.0001)), and range of motion (anterior pelvic tilt (9.5 to 6.2, -34.7%, p < 0.0001), lateral pelvic tilt (6.6 to 8.3, +23.8%, p = 0.0102), pelvic rotation (10.3 to 14.7, 28.2%, p < 0.0001), hip range of motion (29.8 to 32.9, +13.5%, p = 0.001), and ankle range of motion (28.0 to 32.6, +11.1%, p < 0.0001)). The present study supports the notion that the practice of TC has a positive effect on healthy older female adults in improving gait parameters and flexibility, counteracting the normal functional degeneration due to age.

[Expression and Significance of Pim-3 Gene in Acute Myeloid Leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Pim-3 abnomal expression in development of acute myeloid leukemia. METHODS: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of Pim-3 in bone marrow of 47 newly diagnosed and untreated patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 18 patients with AML after treatment with chemotherapy. At the same time, the bone marrow of 10 cases of non-hematologic malignancies was used as normal control. The difference of the Pim-3 gene expression in bone marrows among the 3 groups was also compared. RESULTS: According to the RT-PCR detection results, the Pim-3 expression level in bone marrow of AML patients before chemotherapy were all significantly lower than those in patients with non-hematologic malignancies (P < 0.01). After chemotherapy, there were no significant differences of the Pim-3 expression level between the patients with acute myeloid leukemia and non-hematologic malignancies (P > 0.05), but the Pim-3 expression level was significantly lower in patients before chemotherapy as compared with that in patients post chemotherapy (P < 0.01). The comparison of Pim-3 expression before and after chemotherapy in remission group showed that Pim-3 expression levels before chemotherapy were all significantly lower than those after chemotherapy (P < 0.01), but there were no significant differences of Pim-3 expression levels between patients before and after chemotherapy in non-remission group (P > 0.05). The Pim-3 expression levels of non-remission patients after chemotherapy were all significantly lower than those of the remission patients after chemotherapy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Pim-3 gene is abnormally expressed in the AML patients before and after chemotherapy, and this gene may be involved in the genesis and development of acute myeloid leukemia.